Packaging machine transfer mechanism



March 31, 1953 Q J, b-r 2,633,279 V PACKAGING MACHINE TRANSFER MECHANISM Original Filed July 3, 1940 8 Sheets-Sheet l l IHI III a Q azamm ,Jvmz

ATTORNEYS.

March 31, 1953 c. J. MALHIOT 2,633,279

' l PACKAGING MACHINE TRANSFER MECHANISM Original Filed July 3, 1940 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 1 1 I IN,

( w 'HIIHIIII INVENTOR.

C. J. MALHIOT PACKAGING MACHINE TRANSFER MECHANISM March 31, 1953 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 Original Filed July 3, 1940 INVENTOR. L/Mah'ai March 31, 1953 c. J. MALHIOT 2,633,279

PACKAGING MACHINE TRANSFER MECHANISM Original Filed July 3, 1940 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN VENTOR.

BY: Clarence Jfldito' w w /w ATTORNEYJ March 31, 1953 c J. MALHIOT PACKAGING MACHINE TRANSFER MECHANISM Original Filed Jui s, 1940 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 ATTORNEYJ.

March 31, 1953 c, MALHIOT 2,633,279

PACKAGING MACHINE TRANSFER MECHANISM Original Filed July 3, 1940 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 i/crd. T

7-? Well INVENTOR.

8 -Sheets-Sheet 8 m (R m I Ew %w m 0 l m H m w C. J. MALHlOT PACKAGING MACHINE TRANSFER MECHANISM IIIIH 1] March 31, 1953 Original Filed July 5, 1940 f/zm, ww/ia/ ATTORNEY;

Patented Mar. 31, 1953 PACKAGING MACHINE TRANSFER MECHANISM Clarence J. Malhiot, Oak Park, Ill., assignor to F. B. Rcdington Co, Chicago, 111., a corporation of Delaware Original application 343,849. Divided an 1946, Serial No.

20 Claims.

This invention relates to packaging and Wrapping machines, of the high speed automatic type, and concerns more particularly article handling and transfer mechanisms employed in such machines in connection with the packaging and wrapping operations.

In the packaging of articles by high speed, automatic machines, problems are presented in the provision of suitable transfer and handling through the machine.

It is an object of the present invention to provide transfer and handling mechanisms for wrapping machines, of improved construction and improved operating characteristics.

More specifically stated, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved transfer mechanism for packaging machines of the high speed automatic type, and adapted for the handling of relatively frangible or fragile articles.

A further object of the invention is to provide transfer and handling mechanisms for machines of the type defined, and for transferring the articles between perating or processing stations having different characteristics, modes, and speeds of operation, in accordance with their particular requirements.

A still further object of the invention is to provide transfer and article handling mechanisms, for machines of the type defined, wherein the articles may be rapidly transmitted, without shock or jar, and in an automatic and reliable manner.

July 3, 1940, Serial No. d this application July 13, 683,543

Various other objects, advantages and features of the invention will appear from the following specification, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein a preferred embodiment of the invention is set forth for purposes of illustration.

The present application is a division of my copending application Serial No. 343,849, filed July 3, 1940, and entitled Wrapping Machine, now issued as Patent No. 2,407,313; and concerns particularly certain of the conveyor mechanisms and associated parts provided in the machine therein disclosed.

In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout:

Fig. 1 is a general assembly view, in front elevation, of the wrapping machine disclosed in said parent application, and embodying the conveyor and transfer mechanisms of the present application;

Fig. 2 is an end view of the machine as seen from the left in Fig. l, the outer end of the feeding conveyor being broken away; 1

Fig. 3 is a partial rear view of the machine, more particularly illustrating the drive gearing;

Fig. 4 is a detail view of the Wrapping wheel and associated wrapping mechanisms, forming a part of the machine, as seen from the front thereof;

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view through the wrapping wheel and associated mechanisms, taken as indicated by the line 5-5 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 6 is a transverse vertical section of the wrapping wheel and associated wrapping mechanisms, taken as indicated by the line 66 of Figs. 3 and 4;

Fig. '7 is a transverse sectional view of the transfer mechanism more particularly forming a p rt of the present invention, with its associated drive means, the view being taken as indicated by the line 1-1 of Figs. 3 and 8;

Fig. 8 is a partial detail view of the machine showing the ejector elements, transfer wheel, and the in-feed end of the processing conveyor, forming a part of the present invention, the viewbeing taken from the front of the machine;

Fig. 9 is a horizontal sectional view of the mechanism of Fig. 8, taken on the line 9-9 thereof;

Fig. 10 is a detail perspective view of oneof the transfer wheel package support platforms;

Fig. 11 is a detail perspective view of one of the processing conveyor feed links;

Fig. 12 is a transverse sectional view through the machine, on the line |2-l2 of Figs. 3 and 4, more particularly illustrating the ejector elements and the drive mechanism therefor; and

Fig. 13 is a horizontal sectional view showing the overrunning clutch and independent drive for the processing conveyor, and taken as indicated by the lines l3l3 of Figs. 3 and 12.

Referring more particularly to the drawings. the machine illustrated comprises a high speed automatic machine for packaging or wrapping bars of soap, such as laundry soap or the like. In the use of a machine of this type, it is desirable that the soap bars be fed to the machine as -they come from the molding presses, at which able wrapping or packaging reaching transmission or ejector rolls 53, the

chine illustrated are heating and disconnectin time they are in soft, semi-plastic and frangible condition. Problems are presented in the handling of the semi-plastic bars to effect the high speed wrapping thereof without damage to the bars, which problems are satisfactorily treated in the machine set forth. While the transfer and conveyor mechanisms comprising the invention herein particularly disclosed and claimed form a part of the foregoing machine, and are particularly adapted for use therewith, it is to be understood that the invention is adapted for other uses and purposes, including uses in connection with the wrapping and packaging of other types of articles.

General machine structure may be placed in any desired manner, and by A which they are fed to a feeding station, at which a feed mechanism generally indicated by the numeral 5! is located. The feeding mechanism feels the bars, together with suitable paper wrappers or the like, into a rotatable conveyor or wrapping wheel generally indicated by the numeral 52. In the wrapping wheel, the wrapper is'folded and the bars are wrapped by suitdevices; and upon wrapped bars are ejected from the wrapping wheel to a transfer wheel '54 which transfers them to "a processing conveyor, generally indicated by the numeral 55. In the processing conv'eyor,the bars are passed essing elements, which in the particular maand cooling elements for sealing the wax paper wrapper in which thebars are wrapped and, after processing, the bars are ejected from the processing conveyor onto a removal conveyor '56 operable to deliver them to a suitable point of delivery.

The wrapper webs as indicated at 51 and 58,

which are-severed at suitable intervals, and within'which the soap bars are wrapped in the operation of the'machine, are fed to the feed mechanism *5! from suitable supply reels, as indicated at 59.

The present invention concerns the ejector rolls 53, the transfer 'wheel'54, and their associated drive mechanisms and cooperative parts in the machine. The remaining elements of the machine, specifically forming no part of the present invention, will be hereinafter referred to in part. Reference may be made to said companion and parent application for a detailed description of such elements.

Drive mechanism The various mechanisms of the'machine are all adapted to be driven in synchronized, timed relation by means of a main electric driving motor 60, Figs. 1, 2 and 3, and a drive gearing mounted on the rear of the machine and best illustrated in Fig. 3. More particularly, the motor Bil drives a main drive shaft 6! through the intermediary of a flexible belt 62, belt pulleys 63 and 64, and a clutch mechanism 65. The pulley 53 is loosely mounted on the shaft 5i, and the clutch mechanism 65, which may be any suitable form of disc clutch, is provided for connecting the driving engagement between the pulley and the shaft. The clutch is controlled by means of an oscillatable shaft 66 and a linkage 61 leading to a clutch control handle" esmounted 'onthe from of the machine along suitable procin a position to be conveniently manipulated by the machine operator. It will be seen that while the pulley 63 is constantly operated so long as electric motor 50 is in operation, the main drive shaft El is operated only when the clutch 65 is engaged.

Drive shaft 6| carries a pinion 69 in driving engagement with a gear 18 mounted on a shaft ll. The gear 10 may be connected to the shaft H through an overload driving arrangement as indicated at 12. Such overload device may be of any suitable-construction, and is provided for permitting the gear 16' to slip on the shaft 1! in the event of overload conditions in the machine. It is to be understood that overload mechanisms, for safety purposes, may be elsewhere provided in the drive connections if desired. Normally, however, the gear 10 effects the rotation of the shaft H as the gear is driven. This shaft projects forwardly through the machine frame 49, as best shown in Fig. 2, and near its front end carries three control cams 13, 14, and I5, forming'the driving means for the feeding mechanism 51.

The shaft H, at its rear end, also carries a gear 16 in driving engagement with a gear I1 mounted upon a shaft 18, see particularly Figs. 3 and 6. Gear ll carries a block 19 provided with a longitudinal track 88. A shaft 8|, offset with respect to the axis of shaft 18, carries a crank member 82, which crank is provided with a pin 83 engageable within the track 88 of the block it. Accordingly, it will be seen that as the gear I! is rotatably driven, moving the block 19 which is mounted thereon in a circular path, the crank pin 83 which is engaged in the block track will cause the rotation of the crank 82 and its associated shaft 81. But it is to be noted that while the gear 11 and the shaft 18 are driven at constant speed, the driving movement which is imparted to the crank 82 and its associated shaft 8| will be a variable speed motion, due to the offset displacement of the axes of the shafts l8 and Bi. While the rotation of shaft 8! will be continuous, it will beat variable speeds comprising alternate fast and slow cycles of operation, the slow cycle of rotation being imparted thereto when the parts are in the position illustrated in Fig. 3, and the rapid cycle of operation being imparted'when the crank and block 19 assume a position displaced 180 degrees from the position shown. While the rotation of the shaft 8| is alternately fast and slow. it is further to be noted that the acceleration and deceleration of the shaft 8| is gradual, whereby to avoid imparting shocks to the shaft or to the mechanisms operated therefrom. During operation, the pin 83 slides longitudinally in the track and maintains driving engagement'between the parts notwithstanding the offset relation of the shafts l8 and 81. The variablespeed drive mechanism thus provided is well suited for'the purposes'of the present invention, but it is to be understood that other suitable forms of variable speed drives could be substituted.

Shaft 3i carries a pinion 85, Figs. 3 and fi, in engagement with a gear 85 mounted on ashaft 8'1, which shaft also carries a bevel gear 88 adapted to drive a cooperating bevel gear 89 mounted on one end of a shaft 90. The other end of shaft 98 carries a gear 9|, which through gearing 92 drives the feeding conveyor 50. -It will thus be-seen that the belt feeding conveyor is driven at "variable speed through the several driving connections described.

poses and the like.

Variable speed shaft 81 also carries a pinion 95, Figs. 3 and 6, in driving engagement with a gear 96 secured to a shaft 91 which extends forwardly through the machine frame and on its front end carries the wrapping wheel 52. The wrapping wheel is thus also driven at variable speed through its driving connections.

Constant speed shaft 18 also extends forwardly through the frame 49 of the machine and is provided on its front end with a gear I forming a part of the driving means for the wrapping mechanism associated With wheel 52, and more particularly described in said companion application. Adjacent its rear end, the shaft carries a gear IOI in driving engagement with gear I02 secured to shaft I03, extending forwardly through the frame of the machine and provided at its front end with a block I04 forming another driving element for the wrapping mechanism. The gear I00 and the block I04, being driven from the shaft 18, are operated at constant speed.

Driving gear TI, further referring to Figs. 3 and 6, also meshes with an idler gear I05 which is loosely mounted on the shaft 81. This idler gear drives a gear I06 which in turn drives a gear I01 forming the driving mechanism forthe paper feeding and cutting rolls diagrammatically indicated at I08 and I09 in Fig. 1.

Constant speed idler gear I05 also drives a gear IIO, Figs. 3 and 12, secured to a shaft III. This shaft also extends forwardly through the machine frame and carries a crank H2 at its front end, which crank constitutes another of the driving elements for the wrapping mechanism associated with the wrapping wheel 52.

Gear IIO meshes with a gear II3, Fig. 3, associated with a shaft I I4 also extending through the machine frame and provided on its front end with a hand wheel II5, Fig. 1. Axial movement of shaft II4 serves to connect the gear II3 thereto by suitable clutch means, not shown, after which the shaft and the gear may be rotated by the hand wheel whereby to manually operate the drive gearing as for setting up pur- Constant speed gear IIO further meshes with and drives a gear II 6, Figs. 3 and 12, secured to a stub shaft I H, the gear H3 in turn being arranged to drive a gear II 8 which is loosely mounted on a shaft II 9, the latter extending forwardly through the frame of the machine and being provided at its forward end with a pair of bevel gears I20 and I2I adapted to drive the ejector rolls 53, and with a hand wheel I22. The arrangement is such that the shaft II9 may be driven either from the gear II8 or from a supplementary independently operable power source which in the particular embodiment of the mechanism disclosed comprises an electric motor I24,

Figs. 2, 3, 7, and 13. To this end a gear I25, Figs. 12 and 13, is pinned to the shaft H9, and clutch devices are provided so that the gear and the shaft may be driven selectively either from the 'power gear H8 or the electric motor I24. More specifically, the motor shaft is provided with a worm I 25 adapted to drive a worm gear I21 mounted on a stub shaft I28. This shaft is connected by means of a coupling I29 to one part of a one-way overrunning clutch device I30 which may be of any suitable construction, the

other part of the clutch being rigidly associated with the gear I25. Similarly an overrunning "clutch assembly I 3| forms a one-way driving connection between the hub sections of gears tion by springs H3 and I25. It will'thus be seen that the gear I25 and its associated shaft II9 may be driven selectively either from the power. gear II8 or the electric motor I24, the motor I24 remaining stationary when the shaft is driven from gear II 8, and similarly the gear II 8 being uninfiuenced when the shaft is independently driven by the motor I24. By this means it will be seen that the shaft II!) as well as gears driven from the gear I25, later to be described, may be independently operated by the motor I24 while the gear II8 and the various mechanisms associated therewith heretofore described are not in operation. The hand wheel I22 furnishes a hand power means for the shaft H9 and its associated structures.

Referring further to Figs. 3, 7 and 13, the gear I25 meshes with and drives a gear I33 mounted on a stub shaft I34, the shaft also carrying a gear I35 adapted to drive a gear I36. Gear I30 is mounted on a shaft I31, the forwardend of which carries a sprocket I30 forming the driving means for the processing conveyor. Gear I35 also meshes with and drives a gear I39 which in turn drives a gear I40, the latter being mounted upon a shaft I4I which at its front end carries the transfer wheel 54.

Gear I33 also meshes with and drives a gear I 43 adapted to operate a cooling water pump I 44 associated with the processing conveyor.

It will be seen that by reason of the drive connections provided, the various operating elements of the machine, including the feeding conveyor 50, the feed mechanism 5I, the wrapping wheel 52 and its associated wrapping mechanisms, the ejector rolls 53, the transfer wheel 54, and the processing conveyor 55, are all driven in predetermined timed and synchronized relation by means of the main drive motor 60 during the operation of the machine. Additionally, the ejector rolls 53, the transfer wheel 54, and the processing conveyor 55 may be independently driven through the action of the independent auxiliary drive motor I 24. Still further, the hand wheel I I5 may be employed as an alternate driving connection, instead of the motor 50, for setup purposes; whereas the hand wheel I22 may be employed to effect the manual independent actuation of the ejector rolls, transfer wheel, and processing conveyor.

Feeding conveyor, feed mechanism, and wrapping wheel As previously indicated, the feeding conveyor. feed mechanism, and wrapping wheel with its associated wrapping devices specifically form no part of the present invention, reference being made to said companion application for a detailed disclosure, if desired.

Sufiice to point out that the soap bars, indicated by numeral I63, in Fig. 2, are transmitted in the direction of the arrow by the endless belt I64 of the feeding conveyor. As they reach the feed mechanism 5|, they are projected by suitable feeding devices, including a pusher bar I10, Fig. 5, away from the feeding conveyor and'into the pockets 230 of the wrapping wheel 52. As an incident to this feeding operation the wrappers 51 and 58, which have been severed into suitable lengths, are partially wrapped around the bars.

The movable walls 232, Fig. 5, of the conveyor wheel pockets are pivotally mounted as indicated at 234. They are spring urged toward closed posi- 233, being controlled in their aesaavc movements by a. stationary cam 23! against which an extending portion of. the pocket wall engages; The pockets close onto thebars and the wrappers as the bars are inserted therein. As thewrapping wheel. rotates counterclockwise inthedirection of. thearrows, as shown in. Figs. 4:. and 5, various wrapping devices such as' indicated at 242, 244, 255', 256, 251,280 and 338, Figs; 4, and. 6, driven by the drive. connections heretofore. described, operate to effect the folding ofthe. wrappers so that as the barsare' delivered to theejector. rolls 53, they are in completely wrapped position.

As the bars are delivered. to the ejector rolls, the movable pocket walls 232 are automatically opened by the cam 231, the end wrapper surfaces being retainedfrom unfoldingv by a pair of. arcuately. shaped walls 309 and 3N adjacent the ends. of the conveyor. pockets and supported by a.fixed.frame portion 3H of: the machine. As previously, pointed: out, the wrapping Wheel. 52 moves continuously at alternately, increasing and decreasing speeds. Thearrangement is such that the wrapped bars move into engagement with the. ejector rolls that the low speed point in the wrapping wheel movement.

Ejector rolls and transfer wheel The ejector rollsand transfer wheel, with their associated guide structures; form a package transmission mechanism for removingthe wrapped soap'bars'from the wrapping wheel and depositing them onto the processing conveyor structure. The actions of the ejector rolls and transfer wheel will be best understood by'refadapted to be driven from the gears I23 and l2l secured to thedriving shaft H9, as'previously described.

Asbest shown in Figs. land 9, the side walls 309 and 310 of" the guide structure 3H are cut away so as to permit the wrapped bars to be contacted by the ejector. rolls and removed from the wrapping wheel. Additional stationary guide plates 330 and 331, one for each end of the-package, are adapted to contact the package ends and maintain the wrapper folds in position immediately as the pa'ckage ends are released from contact with the surfaces of" the ejector rolls. The side plates 330' and 331 for retaining the ends of the package haveassociatedtherewith a pair of lower guide plates 332' and 333, Figs. 5 and 9; which are adapted to engage: under the bottoms of the bars as they are moved. by the ejector rolls and guide the bars into. proper engagement with the transfer wheel; support platforms.

The transfer-wheel, generally indicated bythe numeral.54 ,,and: driven by shaft. I41; Fig. '7; as previously described, rotates at" uniform: speed inaclockwise. direction as seen in Figs: 4,- 5 and 8-. More specifically, the transfer wheel com+ prises a pair of side sections 3352and 336 formed integral with a hub structure 331; Figs; '1 and 8, each sidersection being in. the. form. of; aseries ofa radially extending spokes, there being four spokes on. each side I section; in alignment in; the.

particular embodiment illustrated. Eachpairrof spokes carries a package support platform 34!! shown in perspective detail in Fig. 10, pivotally mounted on the spokes by means of shafts 341. Each support platform is provided with a projecting. pin 342 engageable in a cam track 343 formed in astationary controlcam 344 carried by theframeof the machine so that as thetransfer wheel. is rotated each support platform is causedto. independently pivot on its supporting spokes in apredetermined controlled manner.

In the operation of theejector roll and. transfer wheelv transmission mechanism, the high cam surfaces. of the ejector rolls come into position to grip the wrapped barsjust as the bars are brought into alignment with the rolls by the movement of the. wrapping wheel. Thegripping action takes place at the slow point in the movement of thewrapping wheel, as has been pointed out, and. just as the. shiftablewall 232 for the particular conveyor pocketis moved to release position. Rotation of the ejector rolls causes the wrapped bars to be moved to the right, as seen inFlgs. 4, 5, 8 and 9, the forward bottom edge of the bar being guided by the guide plates 232 and 233 and the endfolds being; retained in positionby the guide plates 330 and 33!. It is important to note that the rubber sleeves 325 on the ejector rolls provide-a slightly yieldable surface of contact'against the bars whereby to permit the bars to freely follow their guided path of travel while still being positively gripped at all times by the rolls.

The bar is deposited onto the support platform of the transfer wheel just as the platform is moved into bar-receiving position by the controlcam, as illustrated at 3400. in Fig. 8, the bar thereupon being transported by the platform onto the main support track 345' of the processing conveyor. During the time that the bars are being carried by the support platforms, the end foldsare retained in position by a pair. of extensions1346' and 34'] associated with the guides 348 and349, Figs; land 9, provided on either sideof the support track of the. processing conveyor. As the wheel platform deposits the barupon the conveyorsupporttrack it 'ispivoted counterclockwise by'thei controlcam" so as to clear the conveyor track and the-bar deposited thereon upon continued movement of the transfer. wheel.

Processing and removal conveyors bar engagingarms 352 and 353, Fig. 11, and atail member 354 engageable with a slot in the-following feed link; and operablev to maintain both the: link to which it is secured and the link with which it engagesiin aligned and proper position. Additionally, elongated supporting bars 355 356 and 351, Fig. 8, areprovidedengageable with theopposite sides of the pivot pins 35! to positively'maintain .the links. in position when they areon the: lower. reachof the-conveyor in-bar a part of the conveyor frame structure 358 which frame structure also supports the sprockets I38 and I38. As will be best understood by reference to Fig. 8, the movement of the links 359 is so timed with respect to the movement of the support platforms of the transfer wheel as to cause the links to successively and individually engage the bars as they are deposited on the support track 345, feeding them to the right as seen in Figs. 1 and 8.

In the particular machine disclosed, the wrapping paper for the bars is of the waxed type, suitable heating and cooling means being associated with the processing conveyor to effect the heat sealing of the wrappers as the bars move longitudinally of the processing conveyor structure. Such means specifically forms no part of the present invention, and is set forth in detail in said companion application.

The removal conveyor 55, to which the wrapped bars are transmitted from the processing conveyor, and by which they are removed from the machine, may be ofv any suitable structure.

The machine is provided with a control panel 308, Fig. 1, provided with suitable switches for controlling the energization of the main drive motor 60, the auxiliary drive motor I24, and the other electrical control elements of the machine.

Summary of operation of transfer mechanism It will be seen that by reason of the ejector rolls 53, and transfer wheel 54, continuously operable means is provided for transmitting the wrapped bars from the wrapping wheel 52 to the processing conveyor 55. During the transmitting or transferring operation the wrappers are maintained in proper position in respect to the bars, notwithstanding the fact that the wrappers are not as yet in sealed position. The transferring operations are conducted continuously, automatically, and at high speed. The arrangement of the parts, including the rubber sleeved ejector rolls 53 facilitates high speed operation without damage to the frangible bars. The arrangement also permits the wrapping wheel to move continuously, at alternately increasing and decreasing speeds, and the processing conveyor to move continuously, during the transferring operation.

The transfer mechanism parts are driven in timed relation with the other elements of the machine during normal machine operation under propulsion of the main drive motor 60. However, by use of motor I24, or hand wheel I22, the ejector rolls, transfer wheel, and processing conveyor may be independently driven to eifectremoval of all bars from the processing conveyor, and the heating and cooling elements associated therewith, while the rest of the machine remains stationary.

It is obvious that various changes may be made in the specific embodiment set forth without departing from the spirit of the invention. The invention is accordingly not to be limited to the specific embodiment shown and described, but only as indicated in the following claims.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows:

1. A packaging machine comprising a continuously operable conveyor having a series of aligned pockets for conveying articles along a predetermined path, and a transmission mechanism for moving the articles along a second and different predetermined path with respect to the pockets, said aligned pockets being positively engaged with the articles While they are engaged with the transmission mechanism, said transmission mechanism including roller members engageable with oppositely disposed article surfaces to effect the gripping and movement of the articles, said rollers being provided with gripping surfaces of flexible resilient material whereby to accommodate for themovement of the pockets during the gripping operation.

2. A packaging machine comprising a conveyor having a series of aligned pockets for transporting articles along a'predetermined path of movement, means for continuously moving the con-' veyor at alternating increasing and decreasing speeds, a transmission mechanism including a pair of rollers engageable with oppositely disposed article surfaces for gripping the articles and moving them with respect to the conveyor pockets, said rollers being provided with cam-shaped article contacting surfaces and being adapted to contact the articles during the slow point of movement of the conveyor.

3. A packaging machine as defined in claim 2 wherein said rollers are operable to remove the articles from the conveyor pockets and wherein a transfer wheel is provided for receiving the articles from the rollers, said transfer wheel being provided with a series of article supporting platforms pivotally mounted with respect to the transfer wheel frame, and stationary cam means for controlling the movements of the pivoted platforms upon the operation of the wheel.

4. A packaging machine comprising a first article handling mechanism for moving articles along a predetermined path of travel, a second article handling mechanism for moving the articles along a second predetermined path of travel, and a transfer mechanism for transferring the articles between said handling mechanisms, said transfer mechanism comprising a transfer member, and -means for moving the transfer member along a third predetermined path of movement, one of said article handling mechanisms being positively engaged with the articles while they are engaged with the transfer member, and said transfer member having an article contacting portion of flexible resilient material whereby to compensate for the variations in the paths of travel of the transfer mechanism and said last named article handling mechanism.

5. A packaging machine comprising a first article handling mechanism for moving articles along a predetermined path of travel, a second article handling mechanism for moving the articles along a second predetermined path of travel, and a rotatable transfer member for transferring the articles between said handling mechanisms along a third path of movement, one of said article handling mechanisms being positively engaged with the articles while they are engaged with the transfer member, and said transfer member having an article contacting portion of flexible resilient material whereby to compensate for the variations in the paths of travel of the transfer member and said last named article handling mechanism.

6. A packaging machine comprising a first article handling mechanism for moving articles along a predetermined path of travel, a second article handling mechanism for moving the articles along a second predetermined path of travel, and'a transfer mechanism for transferring the articles between said handling mechanisms along a third path of movement, said transfer mechanism comprising a pair of rotatable transfer members adapted, toengage opposed aesaare surfaces of the. article, one of said article handling mechanisms being positively engaged with the articles while they are engaged with the transfer members, and said transfer members having article contacting portions of flexibleresilient material whereby to compensate for the variations in the paths of travel of the transfer mechanism and said last named article handling mechanism.

'7. A packaging machine comprising a packaging mechanism for articles, an article handling mechanism for moving the articles along a predetermined path of travel, and a transfer mechanism including a pair of cooperative gripping rolls for transferring the articles between said packaging and handling mechanisms, a first power means for driving the packaging, transfer, and handling mechanisms, a second power means for driving the transfer and handling mechanisms, and means for rendering either of said power means selectively operable.

8. A packaging machine comprising a packaging mechanism for articles, an article-handling mechanism for moving the articles along a, predetermined path of travel, and a transfer mechanism including a pivoted article support platform for transferring the articles between said packaging and handling mechanisms, a. first power means for driving the packaging, transfer, and handling mechanisms, a second power means for driving the transfer and handling mechanisms, and means including a clutch structure for rendering either of said power means selectively operable.

9. A packaging machine comprising a packag ing mechanism for articles, an article handling mechanism for moving the article along a predetermined path of travel, anda transfer mechanism including a pair of cooperative gripping rolls for transferring the articles between said packaging and handling mechanisms, a first drive mechanism including power means and manually operable means for driving the packaging, transfer, and handling mechanisms, a sec ond drive mechanism including power means and manually operable means for driving the trans.- fer and handling mechanisms, and means for rendering either of said drive mechanisms selectively operable.

10. A machine for packaging ing a first articlehandling mechanism, a second article handling mechanism, and a transfer mechanism for transferring the articles between said handling mechanisms, said transfer-mechanism comprising a pair of transfer members co operable with the first handling mechanism and engageable with opposite faces of the articles for effecting the shifting thereof, a transfer member cooperable with the second handling mechanism and engageable with. an article por-- tion disposed between said opposed faces, a pair of guide plates for the first article handling mechanism disposed in opposed relation for guid ing the articles to said pair of transfer members, and a pair of guide plates disposed substantially coplanar respectively with said first plates and with the engagement surfaces of said pair of transfer members engageable with the opposed article faces-during the transmission of the artiole-by said second named transfer member;

11. A machine for packaging articles comprising-a first continuously operable articl handling mechanism, a second continuously operable article'handling mechanism, and a transfer mechanism for transferring the articles between said articles comprishandling mechanisms, said transfer mechanism comprising a pair of transfer rolls cooperable with the first handling mechanism and engageable with opposite faces of the articles for effecting the shifting thereof, said rolls being provided with gripping surfaces of flexible resilient material to accommodate the movementof the first handling mechanisms during the gripping operation, a transfer arm cooperable with the sec ond handling mechanism and engageable with an article portion disposed between said upposed faces; and a pair of guide plates disposed substantially coplanar with the contact surfaces of the rolls engageable with the opposed article faces during the transmission of the article by said arm.

12. A machine for packaging articles of. the type havingwrapper end foldsoverlying'the article ends, said machine comprising a first article handling mechanism, a second article handing mechanism, said mechanisms having opposed pairs-of plates engageable with the article ends for holding said folds in position, and a transfer mechanism for transferring the articles between said handling mechanisms, said transfer mechanism comprising a pair of transfer members' cooperable with the first handling mechanism and engageable with the end faces of the articles for eifectingthe shifting thereof, a transfer member cooperable with the secondhandling mechanism and engageable with an article portion disposed between said end faces, and a pair of guide plates disposed respectively parallel with said first mentioned plates and with the engagement surfaces of said pair of transfer members and arranged to engage the articleends'and'hold said folds in place during transmission of the article by said second named transfer member.

13. A machine for packaging artiolescomprising a first article handling mechanism, a second article handling mechanism, and a transfer mechanism for transferring the articles between said handling mechanisms, said transfer mechanism comprising a pair of transfer rolls cooperable with the first handling mechanism and engageable with opposed faces of the articles for effecting the shifting thereof, and a trans fer' arm cooperable with the second handling mechanism and movable in an orbital path and engageable with an article portion disposed between said faces, said transfer rolls being operable in predetermined timed relation. withth'e movement of the transfer arm and havingperipheralrecessed portions.

14. A. machine for packagingarticles compris ing a first article handling mechanism, a second article handling mechanism, and a transfer mechanism for'transferring the articles between saidhandling mechanisms, said transfer mechanism comprising a pair of transfer rolls cooperable with the first handling mechanism and engageable with opposed faces of the articles-for effecting the shifting thereof, and aseries of support platforms cooperable with the second handling mechanism and shiftable in. a rotary path and engageable with an article portion disposed between said faces.

15. A machine for packaging articles comprising a first article handling mechanism, a second article handling mechanism, and a transfer mechanism for. transferring the articles between said handling mechanisms, said transfer mechanism comprising a pair of transfer rolls operable upon spaced parallel axes and engageable with opposed faces of the articles for effecting the 13 shifting thereof, said rolls being provided with article engaging portions disposed at a predetermined greater distance from the axis of rotation, and with clearance portions disposed at a predetermined lesser distance from the axis of rotation.

16. A machine for packaging articles comprising an article handling member, a rotary support on which the member is pivotally mounted, means for pivoting the member on said support to move the member in an orbital path, a pair of rolls juxtaposed to said member at a predetermined loading point thereon, said rolls being arranged to cooperatively engage opposed faces of the articles and effect the shifting thereof along a second predetermined and difierent path in respect to said member, said article handling member being positively engaged with an associated article when the article is engaged with said rolls, and common drive means for driving said rolls and rotary support in predetermined speed relation.

17. A machine for packaging articles comprising an article handling member, a rotary support on which the member is pivotally mounted, means for pivoting the member on said support to move the member in an orbital path, movement of said member carrying the associated articles along a predetermined path, means for continuously rotating said rotary support, and a pair of rolls juxtaposed to said member at a predetermined loading point thereon, said rolls being arranged to cooperatively engage opposed faces of the articles and efiect the shifting thereof along a second predetermined and difierent path in respect to said member, said article handling member being positively engaged with the articles while they are engaged with said rolls, said rolls being provided with gripping surfaces of flexible resilient material whereby to accommodate the movement of the member during the gripping operation.

18. A packaging machine comprising a continuously operable conveyor for conveying articles along a predeterminad path, and a transmission mechanism for moving the articles along a second predetermined and different path with respect to the conveyor, said transmission mechanism including roller members engageable with oppositely disposed article surfaces to effect the gripping and movement of the articles,

said conveyor being positively engaged with the articles While they are engaged with said roller members, said rollers being provided with gripping surfaces of flexible resilient material whereby to accommodate the movement of the conveyor during the gripping operation.

19. A packaging machine comprising a conveyor for transporting articles along a predetermined path of movement, means for continuously moving the conveyor at alternating increasing and decreasing speeds, a transmission mechanism including a pair of rollers engageable with oppositely disposed article surfaces for gripping the articles and moving them with respect to the conveyor, said rollers being provided with cam shaped article contacting surfaces and being adapted to contact the articles during the slow point of movement of the conveyor.

20. A machine for packaging articles comprising a first article handling mechanism, a second article handling mechanism, means for continuously moving the first article handling mechanism at alternating increasing and decreasing speeds, and a transfer mechanism for transferring the articles between said handling mechanisms, said transfer mechanism comprising a pair of transfer rolls engageable with opposed faces of the articles for effecting the shifting thereof, said rolls being provided with cam shaped article contacting surfaces and being adapted to contact the articles during the slow point of movement of the first article handling mechanism.

CLARENCE J. MALHIOT.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,599,154 Weightman et a1. Sept. 7, 1926 1,615,965 Straight Feb. 1, 1927 1,781,714 Anderson Nov. 18, 1930 1,801,760 Whiteman Apr. 21, 1931 1,810,619 Oslund June 16, 1931 1,968,190 Clark July 31, 1934 1,974,931 Rose Sept. 25, 1934 2,139,796 Blosser et al. Dec. 13, 1938 2,204,162 Smith et al June 11, 1940 2,407,313 Malhiot Sept. 10, 1946 

